Cherry Consumption and the Risk of Recurrent Gout Attacks
Zhang Y, Neogi T, Chen C, et al. • Arthritis Rheum
Key Finding
Cherry intake over 2 days: 35% lower gout attack risk (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.85); cherry + allopurinol: 75% lower risk (OR 0.25)
Key Findings
- 1Cherry intake over 2 days: OR 0.65 (35% lower gout attack risk)
- 2Cherry + allopurinol: OR 0.25 (75% lower risk)
- 3Dose response: 2 servings OR 0.52, 3 servings OR 0.39
- 4Cherry extract: OR 0.55 (45% lower risk)
Original title: “Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks”
Plain English Summary
Case-crossover study of 633 gout patients examining cherry intake and gout attack risk. Compared 2-day periods before gout attacks to control periods.
In-Depth Analysis
Study Details
Authors: Yuqing Zhang, Tuhina Neogi, Clara Chen, Christine Chaisson, David Hunter, Hyon K Choi
Journal: Arthritis Rheum, 2012 Dec; 64(12):4004-4011
PMCID: PMC3510330
Key Statistics (from original paper)
Study Population
- •N = 633 gout patients
- •87.5% met ACR criteria
- •78% male, 88% white
- •Median age: 54 years
Primary Results
Cherry intake over 2 days:
- •35% lower risk (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50-0.85)
Cherry extract intake:
- •45% lower risk (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30-0.98)
Either cherries or extract:
- •37% reduction (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49-0.82)
Combined Effect
Cherry intake + allopurinol use:
- •75% lower risk (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.15-0.42)
Dose Response (Cherry servings over 2 days)
| Servings | Odds Ratio |
|---|---|
| 1 serving | 0.98 |
| 2 servings | 0.52 |
| 3 servings | 0.39 |
| ≥4 servings | 0.62 |
Source: PMC full text (PMC3510330)
Paradigm Relevance
How this study applies to different clinical perspectives:
Standard Medical
RelevantConventional clinical guidelines used by most doctors
Why it matters:
Supports cherry consumption as adjunct therapy for gout. May complement pharmaceutical treatment.
Research Consensus
RelevantCurrent scientific understanding, often ahead of guidelines
Why it matters:
Provides evidence-based dosing guidance. Synergy with allopurinol suggests complementary mechanisms.
Metabolic Optimization
RelevantProactive targets for optimal health, not just disease absence
Why it matters:
Validates natural anti-inflammatory approach. 10-12 cherries twice daily or cherry extract for those with hyperuricemia or gout history.
Study Details
- Type
- Cohort Study
- Methodology
- Case-crossover study. N = 633 gout patients. 87.5% met ACR criteria. 78% male, 88% white, median age 54.
Evidence Quality
Grade B - Case-crossover study. PMC3510330. Shows additive benefit with allopurinol.
Topic
Calculate & Evaluate on Metabolicum
Original Source
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a permanent link to this publication. Unlike website URLs that can change, a DOI always resolves to the correct source.
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